Ground Cover Plants – Goodbye, Mulch!

Hey

Tired of spending time and money on mulch every year? It can get frustrating, right? After doing some digging, I discovered that ground cover plants work even better! They save time, look amazing, and help your garden grow strong.

Keep reading to find out more!

Ground Cover Plants as an Alternative to Traditional Mulch

Skip the mulch and try ground cover plants instead. They protect soil, fight weeds, and look amazing!

Benefits of Ground Cover Plants

Ground cover plants stop weeds fast. They form thick mats, blocking sunlight from reaching the soil. This keeps weed seeds from sprouting. I also notice they hold moisture in the ground.

Less watering means saving time and reducing water waste.

These plants protect soil from washing away during rain. Their roots grip the dirt tightly, preventing erosion. Some even improve soil fertility as they break down over time into organic matter.

Plus, they brighten gardens with colors and textures while feeding pollinators like bees with their flowers!

Practical and Aesthetic Advantages

Many ground covers create a lush, green carpet that adds charm to any garden. Plants like creeping thyme or blue star creeper bloom with tiny flowers, giving pops of color. Their dense growth blocks sunlight, stopping weeds from growing.

I love how they make my yard look neat without much effort.

These plants hold the soil in place and prevent erosion on slopes. They also keep moisture in the dirt, so watering becomes less work for me. Some varieties like Corsican mint smell amazing when stepped on, making them great for paths or walkways.

My garden feels alive and vibrant with these low-maintenance choices!

Types of Ground Cover Plants

There are so many amazing ground cover plants to choose from—each with its own charm. Some spread quickly, while others offer pops of color or soothing greenery!

Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile forms a thick, green mat with daisy-like flowers. Its fresh scent reminds me of green apples, making it perfect for sunny paths or garden borders.

This plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It grows best in USDA Zones 4a to 9b, handling both cold and heat. I’ve seen it used between pavers or as ground cover along walkways.

Pollinators love it too, adding life and beauty to the space while helping with weed control and moisture retention.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme, also called Thymus serpyllum, works great as a low-maintenance ground cover. I love how it grows well in both full sun and partial shade. It is perfect for hot areas since it handles drought like a pro.

Tiny flowers bloom on it, adding color and releasing a nice scent.

This plant fits beautifully between stepping stones or even replaces a whole lawn. It can take light foot traffic without damage, which makes it practical too. With USDA hardiness ranging from Zones 4 to 9, it’s versatile and tough.

Its ability to thrive in rocky or well-drained soil helps conserve moisture while keeping the ground cool at the same time!

Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper is a low-growing plant covered in tiny blue flowers. The star-shaped blooms appear from spring to fall, adding charm to any garden. It forms a dense mat that keeps weeds away and makes lawn care easier.

This plant spreads fast, which helps fill bare spots quickly.

It grows well in part sun or partial shade and even thrives in shady areas. I like that it handles light foot traffic, so it’s great for spaces where people walk often. Blue Star Creeper does best when planted early in spring, summer, or late summer to avoid the heat.

Hardy from USDA Zones 5 to 9, this drought-tolerant option can survive different climates while staying beautiful. Plus, white flower types are also available!

Corsican Mint

Corsican Mint is a tiny, bright green ground cover. Its small leaves release a minty smell if stepped on, which I think adds charm to shady spots in the garden. It loves partial shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soil.

This hardy plant thrives in USDA Zones 7 to 9. It forms a dense mat that blocks weeds and locks in moisture for better soil health. I like using it between pavers or in rock gardens for both beauty and function.

Lamium

Lamium, or dead nettle, is a tough ground cover with pretty leaves and flowers. I like how it thrives in shaded spots where many plants struggle. Its variegated leaves add texture, while blooms bring soft pops of color.

Some types, like ‘White Nancy,’ stay non-invasive, making them safer choices for gardens.

This plant grows well in USDA zones 3 to 8. It keeps soil moist in shady areas, which helps with low-maintenance gardening. Plus, it’s deer-resistant and supports pollinators! Be careful though; some kinds can spread too much and become invasive.

If that’s a worry in your area, pick an alternative ground cover instead.

Scotch Moss

Scotch Moss creates a soft, green carpet with tiny white flowers. It grows 1 to 2 inches tall and thrives best in full sun to partial shade. I like how it works well for rock gardens and small pathway edges.

This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.6 and 7.5. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8 but needs some patience since it has a slow growth rate. Overwatering can cause crown rot or browning, so careful watering is key!

Strawberry Plants

Strawberry plants make a great living mulch. They spread fast, covering the ground with green leaves and small white flowers. I love how they add beauty while producing sweet berries.

Everbearing and day-neutral varieties work best for ground cover.

These plants thrive in full sun with well-drained soil but can handle some shade too. Birds help by eating pests and sometimes snacking on the fruit (I think it’s fair trade). They grow well in most USDA zones, so you can enjoy them in many regions.

It’s a simple way to mix food production with design!

Prunella vulgaris

Prunella vulgaris, or self-heal, spreads low and blooms with purple flowers. It grows best in full sun to partial shade. I like using it for wildflower gardens because pollinators love it.

Moist soil works well for this plant, but it handles drier spots if shaded or watered more.

This herb thrives in USDA zones 4 to 9 and has a long history of being used as medicine. I find it great for filling empty spaces while helping with weed suppression and moisture retention.

It looks pretty too!

Herons bill

Herons bill is a hardy ground cover with fern-like leaves and small, colorful flowers. These blooms come in pink, white, or purple. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil but does well with some afternoon shade too.

I’ve seen it spread quickly, forming dense mats that keep weeds under control.

This plant stands up to drought and adds texture to dry gardens and xeriscapes. It works great for rock gardens, borders, or even as a lawn replacement in sunny spots. Its ability to thrive in tough conditions makes it perfect for low-maintenance gardening.

Sedums

Sedums, or stonecrops, are tough and low-maintenance. These plants come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. I use them because they thrive in full sun and even poor soil. They also handle drought like a pro.

Their flowers add charm with shades of white, yellow, pink, or red. Some grow flat to the ground while others reach a few inches tall. I find sedums perfect for rock gardens and green roofs.

They stay evergreen or semi-evergreen too!

Ajuga reptans

Ajuga reptans, also called bugleweed, is a hardy perennial from the mint family. It spreads quickly through rhizomes, creating thick beds that block weeds. I love its glossy leaves in shades of green and violet.

In May and June, it grows pretty blue flower spikes that brighten any garden.

This plant thrives in USDA Zones 3 to 10. It stays evergreen in many areas and does well in full sun or partial shade. Ajuga prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture but doesn’t need much care once established.

It resists deer too! If mildew appears, spacing plants can help airflow and reduce problems.

Lippia

Lippia, also called frogfruit, is a tough ground cover. It grows tiny white to pink flowers and spreads fast, creating a thick mat. I like how it thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.

It can replace lawns or paths since it’s drought-tolerant and handles foot traffic easily.

This plant attracts pollinators like bees. It’s native to California but fits perfectly into xeriscapes or low-water gardens everywhere. Lippia works great for weed suppression and soil erosion control while adding beauty to any space!

Creeping phlox

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) creates a bright spring carpet of flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. I love using it for slopes, rock gardens, and borders because it spreads easily.

This plant grows just 4 to 6 inches tall but can spread up to 36 inches wide.

The blooms come in pink, purple, blue, or white shades. In warm places, its foliage stays green year-round. It adds early-season color and is perfect for USDA zones 3 to 9.

Lithodora diffusa

I love using Lithodora diffusa in my garden. It stays low to the ground and spreads like a soft, green carpet. The bright blue, star-shaped flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer and always catch my eye.

This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade with well-drained, sandy soil. It’s also evergreen in warm areas, keeping its dark green leaves year-round.

Butterflies visit often when this plant is around, making it perfect for pollinator gardens. I prune it in early spring and after blooming to help it grow back strong. Popular types include ‘Grace Ward’ and ‘White Star.’ It’s not invasive, so I never worry about it taking over other plants in my yard.

Baby tears

Baby tears form a thick mat with tiny, bright green leaves. They grow only 1 to 2 inches tall and love moist, well-drained soil. These plants thrive in partial to full shade, which makes them perfect for shady gardens or spots under trees.

I like using baby tears as a moss substitute because they stay lush with regular watering. They work well in containers, terrariums, or small shaded flowerbeds. Drought-prone areas are not the best for these plants since dry soil causes browning fast.

Ice plant

Ice plant is a tough succulent with thick leaves. Its flowers pop in bright pink, purple, orange, or yellow shades. I love how it blooms from late spring to early fall. It thrives best in full sun and sandy or well-drained soil.

It fights weeds and keeps soil from washing away during rain. Coastal gardens and drought-prone areas are perfect spots for this plant. Delosperma cooperi shows off purple petals, while Delosperma nubigenum shines in yellow.

Herniaria glabra

Herniaria glabra, or rupturewort, stays low and spreads fast. It grows only 1 to 3 inches tall but covers the ground well. Its tiny green leaves and pale flowers make it simple yet pretty.

I like using it in rock gardens or between pathways where grass won’t grow.

This plant loves full sun and well-drained soil. It survives heat and light foot traffic without much care. If you garden in USDA Zones 7 to 11, this perennial works great as a lawn substitute too!

Veronica repens

Veronica repens, or creeping speedwell, grows fast and stays green all year. Its tiny, shiny leaves form a pretty carpet on the ground. In spring, it blooms with clusters of white to lavender flowers.

I love how it only gets 1 to 3 inches tall but spreads up to 12 inches wide.

It thrives in full sun or partial shade and likes well-drained soil. It’s perfect for filling spaces between paving stones or edging garden beds. Pests don’t bother it, and deer and rabbits leave it alone too! Hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9, this sturdy plant also adapts well from Zones 3 to 24.

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny grows fast and brightens gardens with its chartreuse leaves. It stays low, just 2 to 4 inches tall, spreading quickly across the ground. I love its little yellow flowers that pop up too.

This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, as long as the soil stays moist but drains well.

I’ve seen it work great for borders or even spilling from containers. It adds a lush look almost anywhere! Be careful, though; it can take over damp areas if left unchecked. Keeping it dry and limiting space help control its spread while still enjoying its beauty in your yard!

Benefits of Using Ground Covers

Ground covers keep soil moist, stop weeds from popping up, and make gardens pretty—stick with me to learn more!

Weed suppression

I use ground cover plants to stop weeds. They form dense mats that block sunlight, so weeds can’t grow. Many types, like Ajuga reptans, are great at crowding out unwanted plants.

These living mulches also compete for water and nutrients, leaving little for weeds.

Some spread fast and fill bare spots quickly. For example, Liriope grows thick and keeps areas weed-free. Comfrey works well too; it blocks invasive plants by shading the soil. Using these plants saves time on weeding and reduces the need for mulch each year!

Moisture retention

Ground cover plants act like living blankets. Their dense leaves shade the soil, slowing water loss from evaporation. This keeps the ground moist longer, so I don’t need to water as often.

Some plants, like creeping thyme and Corsican mint, work especially well in saving water. They help keep steady moisture levels in the soil. This is great for drought-prone gardens and lowers watering costs too!

Soil erosion control

Roots from ground covers hold soil securely. They prevent rainwater from washing it away. On slopes or hillsides, plants like sedums and ice plants are highly effective. Their strong roots firmly hold the ground, even in rocky or poor soil.

Rain can strike bare dirt harshly, but planting these covers shields it. Creeping phlox and strawberries are my preferred choices for stabilizing slopes. These plants prevent erosion and also maintain gardens looking tidy and healthy after storms!

Aesthetic appeal

Ground cover plants add beauty with their colors and textures. Some, like creeping thyme and blue star creeper, bloom with tiny flowers that brighten spaces. Others, such as lamium or lithodora, offer evergreen leaves for year-round interest.

They create a soft green carpet across the soil in both sun and shade. Pollinators love flowering ground covers too! I enjoy how these plants fill gaps between stepping stones or borders while boosting curb appeal.

Ground Covers to Avoid

Some ground covers spread too fast and take over your garden. Be cautious with invasive plants or those that harm soil health.

English Ivy

English ivy spreads fast and takes over gardens. It smothers trees, damages walls, and harms ecosystems. This plant blocks sunlight from reaching other plants and kills them off. It also creates hiding spots for pests like rodents.

I remove it by pulling vines by hand or cutting them close to the roots. For stubborn patches, a glyphosate-based herbicide works well. Vinegar or salt solutions are safer options but need patience.

Sheet mulching helps too, though it may take months to clear an area completely.

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff spreads quickly, especially in shady spots. I’ve seen it take over moist areas in no time. It is a small herbaceous perennial often found in humid environments. Its aromatic leaves and flowers might seem tempting, but it can be a problem.

This plant thrives well in temperate Eurasian regions and grows aggressively here too. In North America, it’s known to push out native plants from woodland gardens. Once rooted, controlling it becomes tough, especially near natural spaces.

I avoid planting it by my garden beds to keep things manageable!

Vinca Minor

Vinca minor, also called Periwinkle, spreads very fast. It uses runners to cover large areas quickly. Some gardeners love its ability to fill bare spots, but it can take over other plants if not managed well.

This ground cover grows in both sun and shade. Its hardiness makes it helpful for stopping soil erosion on steep hillsides. In some states like Maryland, it’s not labeled as invasive, but local climate affects how aggressive it gets.

I prefer alternatives like Pachysandra for shady spaces since they are easier to control.

Conclusion

Say goodbye to messy mulch and hello to lush, living ground covers. These plants bring beauty while cutting down on weeds and saving water. They protect soil, stop erosion, and add charm to any garden space.

With so many choices, there’s a perfect fit for every yard. Start planting today for a greener, easier-to-care-for garden!

FAQs

1. What are ground cover plants, and why should I use them?

Ground cover plants are low-growing plants that spread across the soil. They help with weed suppression, moisture retention, and improving soil health while reducing the need for bark mulch or wood chips.

2. Which ground covers work well in full sun?

For sunny spots, creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), phlox subulata, and blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) thrive. These drought-tolerant plants also add beauty to your garden.

3. Can ground covers grow in partial shade?

Yes! Plants like vinca minor, English ivy (Hedera helix), tiarella cordifolia, and sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) do well in shaded areas while preventing soil erosion.

4. Are there native options for sustainable gardening?

Native groundcovers like wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata), partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), and cardinal flower support local ecosystems and promote responsible stewardship.

5. How can I control pests on these plants?

Use insecticidal soap to manage scale insects or sooty mold if needed. Keeping soil healthy with proper drainage also helps prevent pest issues naturally.

6. Do ground covers require a lot of care after planting?

No! Most ground cover plants are perfect for low-maintenance gardening as they spread vegetatively over time, reduce runoff, and keep weeds under control without constant attention or replanting efforts!